‘Stronger’ Kerr charges towards sub-20 barrier

Coach Michael Frater says his sprinter, Adrian Kerr, is well positioned to take the next major step in his career this season after building confidence from an impressive showing at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Kerr enjoyed an excellent 2025 campaign, highlighted by his run to the semi-finals of the men’s 200 metres at the World Championships. Although he failed to advance to the final, the performance marked a significant milestone in his development.

Frater said the experience has given the young sprinter renewed belief, with the primary goal this year being to dip below the 20-second barrier in the 200 metres.

“I think that he had an excellent year last year when he made the semi-finals of the 200 metres at the World Championships in Tokyo, and that has given him some confidence this year. He has been coming quite good this year and we just hope that he continues his improvements,” Frater said.

Kerr holds a personal best of 20.08 seconds in the 200 metres, which he clocked in the semi-finals at the World Championships. Frater noted that breaking the 20-second mark this year is Kerr’s natural next target.

“I think he is also a very determined young man, and I think once he is able to stay healthy, he will be able to run very fast,” said Frater.

“For me, most of the younger athletes are about development for the future and moving forward. He ran 20.08 at the end of the season, and so it’s just building on that, because the goal is to always go below 20 seconds for the 200 metres and we have been working towards that.”

Frater also highlighted that Kerr has made notable gains in strength, both in the gym and on the track, which should translate into faster times.

“He has gotten a lot stronger in the gym and on the track as well. So for him it is just about developing. But it doesn’t come overnight, because he has been working very hard and diligently in developing his craft. And so, it’s just going out there and getting a personal best and breaking the 20-second barrier,” he said.

The 23-year-old former Kingston College standout also owns a personal best of 10.08 seconds in the 100 metres. Frater pointed out that that pressure naturally comes with success, but urged his athlete to remain focused on execution rather than expectations.

“Pressure is a part of the sport, because once you start competing and doing well, then you have to go out there and show people what you are made of,” he said.

“But I hope he doesn’t pressure himself but just go out there and execute, and just use each race as a stepping stone going forward; and once he does that, then he should have a very good season this year.”

Robert Bailey